BLACKBURN Rovers have opened contract talks with Irish midfielder Jonathon Douglas.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness has offered Douglas a new four year deal as a reward for his recent performances in the Premiership.

And although the former Academy starlet has rebuffed the club's initial advances, Rovers are still confident of striking a deal to keep the versatile 22-year-old.

Douglas's present contract is set to expire in the summer but he has already publicly stated he wants to stay at Rovers next season.

However, he knows his next move could be crucial to his career and he's thought to be slightly concerned that he'll end up back in the reserves once Barry Ferguson and David Thompson return to full fitness.

Souness still hopes to persuade him that he does have a bright future with Rovers.

The Ewood chief has been hugely impressed by the way Douglas has stepped into the breach since Christmas and the fact that he's been virtually an ever present in the team since the turn of the year underlines the faith Souness has in him.

The club hopes talks over a new deal will reach a successful conclusion in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Rovers defender Michael Gray should be fit to return for Saturday's crucial away game at Everton.

The former Sunderland star, who has been a revelation at the back for Rovers since he arrived on a free transfer in January, has missed the last two games with an abductor strain.

But Blackburn boss Graeme Souness today confirmed he expects Gray to be back in his plans for the trip to Goodison.

And in all likelihood, Gray will go straight into the team at the expense of Vratislav Gresko, even though Rovers have won their last two games without him.

"Micky's back in contention for the weekend," said Souness.

"He's resumed full training with the rest of the lads and he should be okay for the Everton game.

"He's been a good signing for us so far. His most disappointing game was against Leeds but that was probably down to the fact he was starting to feel the injury."

Gray had been an ever-present in the side up to his injury and a string of consistent performances saw him cement his place as Souness's first choice left-back.

His absence then opened the door for Gresko to return but the Slovakian international has been far from convincing in the last two games.